DGOT
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Other Breed (Dog)
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DGAR
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Affenpinscher (Dog)
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Referred to as the "Diablotin Moustachu" or the "moustached little devil" in France, the Affenpinscher is among the oldest of toy breeds. Its name offers an apt description of the breed: affen, which means monkey, and pinscher, meaning terrier. The origins of the Affenpinscher are not so clear. While Dutch painters often sketched dogs that resemble this curious breed in the 15th century, there is no proper evidence to support the breed’s origin.
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DGAH
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Afghan Hound (Dog)
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The Afghan Hound is an ancient breed. It belonged to the Middle Eastern sight hounds, and its ancestors date back to the time of the Egyptian pharaohs. Initially, the breed was used a coursing hound by nomadic tribes to hunt for meat and hare, with the help of falcons, who swooped down at the prey. Gradually, after several generations on the mountainous lands of Afghanistan, the Afghan Hound developed into a nimble, swift dog with great stamina and leaping ability.
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DGAU
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Ainu (Dog)
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The Hokkaido, which was named after the area where it was developed, is said to have originated when Ainu migrants brought the small dog with them to Japan in the 1140s. In 1937 it was designated a protected species in Japan. In 1996 it was recognized by the UKC. Today the Hokkaido continues to be a popular hunting dog.
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DGAT
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Airedale Terrier (Dog)
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The Airedale or "King of Terriers" is the tallest of the terriers. Thought to have originated from the Black and Tan Terrier or English Terrier, the medium-sized Airedale was bred by hunters in Yorkshire to hunt small game such as fox and water rat. The dogs were also good at retrieving and finding birds.
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DGAA
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Akita (Dog)
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Considered a "natural treasure" of Japan, its native country, the Akita was originally bred as an adaptable hunting dog in the mountainous region of Northern Japan. The Akita was saved from extinction in the 1800s, during which the Japanese made a concerted effort to save seven native dog breeds. The Akita is the largest among those seven breeds.
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DGAL
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Alaskan Husky (Dog)
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Originally, Alaskan Huskies were developed by mushers (the human dog sled racers) from the different bloodlines of native Inuit dogs. Some of the main breeds used now in developing Alaskan Huskies include the Eskimo dog, Siberian Husky, Greyhound, and German Shorthaired Pointer.
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DGAK
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Alaskan Klee Kai (Dog)
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As a newer dog breed, the Alaskan Klee Kai has a very detailed recording of its origin. In the mid-1970s an Alaskan woman named Linda Spurlin came across what looked like a small version of a Siberian Husky in Oklahoma. Immediately drawn to this unique dog, Spurlin returned to Alaska and began trying to recreate the dog into a new breed.
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DGAM
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Alaskan Malamute (Dog)
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Although the origin of the Alaskan Malamute is not clearly known, it is generally considered to be a descendant of the Mahlemut dog. An ancient Inuit tribe, the Mahlemut were the native people of Norton Sound, an inlet on the northwest coast of Alaska.
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DGAB
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American Bulldog (Dog)
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An older version of the Bulldog originated in England and was used as a work dog catching cattle and guarding property until it became the breed of choice in a brutal sport known as bull baiting. By the end of World War II, the breed was almost extinct; however, a few devote breeders decided to revive the American Bulldog.
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DGAE
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American Eskimo (Dog)
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The American Eskimo Dog (or Eskie) is almost certainly descended from various European Spitzes, including the white German Spitz, the white Keeshond, the white Pomeranian, and the Volpino Italiano (or white Italian Spitz).
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DGAF
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American Foxhound (Dog)
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Some evidence indicates hounds were first brought to America in 1650, when the Englishman Robert Brooke sailed to the Crown Colony of America with his pack of hunting dogs. These hounds would later become the basis of several strains of American Hounds. In the mid-to-late 1700s, hounds from France and England were brought in to further develop the breed. By then, the breed had gained much recognition, especially amongst the upper class and politicians; even President George Washington was known to have an American Foxhound.
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DGAP
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American Pit Bull Terrier (Dog)
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The Pit Bull’s origins can be traced back to early 19th-century England, Ireland and Scotland. The canine’s ancestors were the result of experimentally crossbreeding different Bulldog and Terrier breeds for the purpose of bear- and bull-baiting, a blood sport in which the dog was trained to attack until the larger animal was defeated. When baiting was banned in the 1800s, the dogs were then bred for the sport of ratting and dog fighting. European immigrants introduced the Pit Bull breed to North America.
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DGAS
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American Staffordshire Terrier (Dog)
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A cousin to the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier was originally bred by crossing certain old terriers (e.g., the English Smooth Terrier) with an old variety of Bulldog. The American Staffordshire's excellent fighting ability made the breed an instant favorite for fanatics of dogfighting, a sport which became popular in the United States in the late 19th century.
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DGAW
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American Water Spaniel (Dog)
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Though nothing can be confirmed about the origins of the American Water Spaniel, it came to be recognized as a breed for the first time in the mid-western parts of the United States. It is assumed that the breed evolved from the Irish Water Spaniel and its other versions like Tweed Water Spaniels, Northern Water Spaniels, and Southern Water Spaniels. It is also believed that the English Water Spaniel and the Curly-Coated Retriever might have played a part in its development.
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DGAN
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Anatolian Shepherd (Dog)
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The origins of the Anatolian Shepherd are said to be rooted in Roman Mollosian war dogs and the Tibetan Mastiff, which arrived in Turkey over 4000 years ago. In Turkey, such dogs were used to defend livestock against predators like bears and wolves. They provided company to the nomadic shepherds and also became widespread throughout a vast region, thereby accounting for the breed’s variation in color, size, and coat type.
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DGAC
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Australian Cattle (Dog)
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Australian Cattle Dogs were earlier known by the breed names Queensland Blue Heelers and Australian Heelers. They are often still referred to as Australian or Blue Heelers. Their beginnings can be traced to the 1800s, when cattle herders that had emigrated from Britain to Australia found that the sheep herding dogs they had brought with them were not adjusting to the harsher environment of the outback.
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DGAD
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Australian Shepherd (Dog)
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The Australian Shepherd is, in fact, not Australian at all. A popular theory states that the Basques herders who immigrated to Australia in the 19th century brought their sheep and their sheepdogs, some of which were Australian Shepherd dogs, with them. Others believe the guardian breed, which is known for its versatility, originated in Turkey more than 5,000 years ago.
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DGAT
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Australian Terrier (Dog)
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Among the smallest of the working terriers, the Australian is its country’s national terrier. The breed -- first exhibited as the "broken-coated terrier of blackish blue sheen" -- originated in the late 19th century. Later names included Blue and Tan Terrier, the Toy, and in 1900 it was named the "Rough-Coated Terrier, Blue and Tan." Generally, the dog was known for its tan and blue colors, but early representatives also showed sandy or red coloration.
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DGBJ
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Basenji (Dog)
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The Basenji, or "Barkless Dog," is an ancient breed that draws its lineage to Egypt. It later became the premier pack hunter for the native tribes and Pygmies of the African Congo region, sometimes referred to as the Congo terrier or Zande Dog.
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DGBH
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Basset Hound (Dog)
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The Basset Hound was first mentioned in 16th-century text, which spoke of badger hunting. However, people have used short-legged breeds since ancient times. When such dogs were bred successfully to create the Basset Hound is anyone's guess.
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DGBE
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Beagle (Dog)
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The first mention of the Beagle in the United States occurred in the town records of Ipswich, Massachusetts, in 1642. Before the American Civil War, people in the South used Beagles, but these dogs did not resemble English Beagles. However, when the war was over, English Beagles were imported for crossbreeding and to develop the modern American Beagle we know today.
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DGBE
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Bearded Collie (Dog)
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Occasionally referred to as the Highland Collie, the Mountain Collie, or simply Beardie, the Bearded Collie is one of Britain's oldest breeds. Its origins are thought to date back to the early 1600s, with a relation to the Polish Lowland Sheepdog breed. The earliest known picture of the Bearded Collie, however, was not until 1771, when a dog of similar appearance was placed in a portrait with the Duke of Buccleuch. A description of the breed was later published in an 1818 edition of Livestock Journal.
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DGBN
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Beauceron (Dog)
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The Beauceron is a superb herding breed that is very obedient and excellent at tracking. It is the biggest of the French sheepdogs and is well-known for its obedience. As for the history of the Beauceron, it is a purely French breed whose origin dates back to the late 16th century on the plains of Paris, called La Beauce.
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DGBT
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Bedlington Terrier (Dog)
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The Bedlington Terrier, an extraordinary variety of the terrier group, is an English breed, originating in Northumberland’s Hanny Hills. Even though the exact origin is not known, it is speculated that the late 18th century saw the development of a variety of game terriers called Rothbury Terriers. Joseph Ainsley of Bedlington Town interbred two Rothbury Terriers in 1825 and named the offspring the Bedlington Terrier.
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DGBM
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Belgian Malinois (Dog)
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Belgian Malinois dogs are more popular as police dogs than as house or show animals. In fact, demand for the breed as a police dog has surpassed the German Shepherd. Historically, all the Belgian sheepherding breeds, that were known as Chiens de Berger Belge collectively, were used as watchdogs as well as herders. With the popularity of dog shows in the 19th century, it was not very clear whether Belgium had any nationally distinguishable breed or not.
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DGBP
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Belgian Sheepdog (Dog)
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The Belgian Sheepdog, sometimes referred to as Groenendael, is known for its versatility and hard-working nature. It is one of the variations of the Belgian Shepherd (or Continental Shepherd); the others being Belgian Malinois and Belgian Tervuren. However, the Belgian Sheepdog has a longer black coat compared to the other Beglian shepherd dogs
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DGBV
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Belgian Tervuren (Dog)
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Belgian Tervuren dogs are known for their versatility and are great herding dogs. Though it is only considered moderately popular, the Tervuren is the most elegant of the three Belgian sheepdog breeds: the short-haired Malinois, the wire-haired Laekenois, and the long-haired Groenendael. The origins of the Belgian Tervuren are a little vague, but many believe the breed belongs to the family of Belgian or Continental Shepherd dogs; the Tervuren, however, does have a different coat type and color to its suspected relations.
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DGBG
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Bergamasco (Dog)
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The Bergamasco's Asian sheepdog ancestors are believed to have been brought to the mountains near Milan from the Middle East by Phoenician traders before the rise of the Roman Empire. There they worked closely with their shepherds and developed into an independent herding dog. While the Bergamasco took its lead from the shepherd, it learned to identify problems and accomplish goals in whichever way seemed best, which was a challenge in the mountain valleys. It was in this way that the Bergamasco developed its high level of intelligence and its desire to work closely with its master.
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DGBI
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Bernese Mountain (Dog)
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The Bernese is famous for being the only Swiss mountain dog, or Sennenhunde, with a silky, long coat. Its true origin is often disputed, but some experts believe the dog’s history dates back to the time when the Romans invaded Switzerland, when native flock-guarding dogs and Roman mastiffs were interbred. This resulted in a strong dog, which could tolerate the harsh Alpine weather and be used as a drover, herder, draft dog, common farm dog, and flock guard.
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DGBF
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Bichon Frisé (Dog)
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The Bichon Frisé is descended from the Barbet (or Water Spaniel) and was originally known as “Barbichon," which was later shortened to “Bichon." The Bichon was divided into four types: Ilvanese, Bolognese, Maltaise, and Tenerife. It is said that the Tenerife was the original source of the Bichon Frisé. They were bred on the Canary Island of Tenerife, where Spanish seamen used them as barter items while on their travels. In the 1300s, Italian seafarers rediscovered the little dogs on their voyages and brought them back to Europe. Soon thereafter, the dogs became a favorite among Italian nobles.
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DGBK
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Black and Tan Coonhound (Dog)
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Bred mainly in the Blue Ridge, Appalachian, Smokey, and Ozark Mountains, Black and Tan Coonhounds were originally used for hunting bears and raccoons in rugged terrain. It should be noted that the Black and Tan Coonhound is an American breed that was developed by crossing the black and tan Virginia Foxhound with the Bloodhound.
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DGBR
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Black Russian Terrier (Dog)
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In the mid-20th Century, the Soviets had to find the right working dog for their military. As there weren’t good qualified dogs to suit their purpose, they imported mostly German breeds to their state Red Star kennels. Roy, a Giant Schnauzer born in 1947, was the most impressive import. This dog was mated with other breeds like the Moscow Water Dog, Airedale Terrier and Rottweiler. All the successful resultant crosses were black and could be differentiated from other breeds as the Black Terrier group. However, the best dogs were then inter-bred and by the late 1950s, the public could obtain the second- and third-generation dogs.
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DGBO
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Bloodhound (Dog)
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According to legend, the Bloodhound was first bred in two variations: black and white. The blacks, first developed by monks at the St. Hubert Monastery in Belgium around the 8th century, and were later imported into England by William the Conqueror during the Norman Conquest in 1066 A.D. In the 12th century, many English dignitaries began using these dogs as hunting companions, referred to as “blooded hounds,” indicating their noble breeding and pure blood.
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DGXB
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Bolognese (Dog)
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Although it is thought that the Bolognese existed some time before it gained popularity in Italy, there is no clear record before the eleventh century. This breed was named after the northern Italian city Bologna, and was a prize dog of the courts and the wealthy in Italy.
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DGBC
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Border Collie (Dog)
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While the exact origins of the Border Collie remain unknown, it is believed the breed may have developed from various sheepdogs used to protect flocks of grazing animals along the border of England and Scotland (and thus the origin of the breed's name).
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DGBY
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Border Terrier (Dog)
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Touted as among the oldest British terriers, the Border Terrier developed near the Cheviot Hills between England and Scotland. Originally, the dog was bred to chase and kill foxes that caused trouble for farmers. The Border Terrier, which was the smallest among long-legged terriers, had to be very swift to match the horse’s pace and yet be of small size, to dig out or follow a fox into its burrow.
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DGBZ
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Borzoi (Dog)
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For several hundred years, the Russian aristocracy bred the Borzoi or "Russian Wolfhound." In the 13th century, hare hunting was a popular sport and after two or three centuries, coursing hounds were crossed with tall Russian sheepdogs and bear hounds to increase the original breed’s coat and size. This was required to hunt wolves in very cold climates.
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